Porsche 911 R spotted on test

A high performance Porsche 911 R has been spotted on test. It appears to be wider and slightly longer than the standard car hinting at its performance oriented origins. Our sources suggest that this model is likely to be based on the GT3 but sans the massive rear wing.

The R name would mean that Porsche is reviving a badge that it last used in 1960s. It is possible that they may launch the car in a limited production run to celebrate its 50th anniversary. So what does the R badge mean? This is expected to be a pure 911 (much as the original 911 R) and will involve the driver more in the whole experience. Skinny tyres, a loose back-end and the 3.8-litre flat-6 from the GT3 are all expected to aid in this process.

Power figures are rumoured to be around 475bhp/440Nm with power going to the rear wheels via a seven-speed manual (hallelujah!). The original car was considered a lightweight in its time and now 50 years later both in terms of speeds and technology this one should be quite the feather as compared to its siblings.

Porsche is expected to debut this version at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and only 600 units maybe produced. If we are to go by the history of Porsche’s limited edition models, then at least half of the cars would have been sold even before the official debut.